Have you ever been in a place of turmoil? A place in life where you had more questions than answers? A place where you needed to know God sees you and cares for your every need? A place where you need your peace restored?
That’s where I was on this sweltering hot day in Texas. Grateful that the previous night’s storm had passed, yet feeling weighed down by the oppressive heat and the questions in my soul. I had a job to do, yet I wondered if I was on the right track and if it would make an impact.
I’d spent the last couple days sequestered to write, but I was growing weary.
Would I get done on time?
Would I effectively convey my message?
Would I hear His words, not mine?
Would anyone be interested in what I had to say?
Would publishers be interested in the topic?
So many questions, so few answers.
A peaceful encounter with God
I left to go for a walk, needing a change in scenery. And God met me, as He so faithfully does.
I meandered off the busy road and down a side path to come face to face with one pond after another. None of them large bodies of water, but water nonetheless. And each beautiful in their own regard.
Each one stilled my soul just a little bit more.
Ironic that I was writing about peace and contentment and the Lord led me to the place I am most at peace: by the water.
It reminded me of the old hymn, “When peace like a river attendeth my way…” And it did. Peace washed over me, leaving me to face the task at hand for the day.
As I stood by the water’s edge, I let the peace from my serene encounter with God still my heart and mind.
He refreshes me with peace
The familiar Scripture from Psalm 23:1-3 came to mind in a new and fresh way, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
It only took a few quiet moments for Him to restore my soul as I reflected on how much He must love me to know my every need and care enough to meet them to the point that He would lead me beside still waters and refresh me with His peace.
As I turned back, sun beating down on my gradually bronzing shoulders, the heat of the summer day made my brow sweat. Then suddenly, like a breath of the spirit, a soft breeze engulfed me. It was as if God was saying, “I’m here. I see you. I know what you need. Trust me.”
Okay, Lord. Thank you for that gentle reminder.
Friend, I don’t know what you are going through today, what doubts you have, what questions you are seeking answers for. But I know God is with you and cares about your every need. And He alone is able to meet you and your every need right where you are. He’s there when you need peace restored. Will you trust Him?
As you put your trust in Him, He will restore your peace.
Because of Him, #PeacePrevails!
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
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He is our peace. Micah 5;5, Ephesians 2:14
Beautiful. Water is my place of peace as well. Waterfalls and creeks just invite me to rest with My God. And I needed this right this minute. Thank you.
Just what I needed to be reminded of God’s love.
What an amazing God we serve that He would be so willing to meet each of us where and when and how we need. Thanks for sharing!
I love it when God reminds us he is there. I too find God at the water or in nature. I am so glad you had a willing heart to seek him out.
I find that taking breaks to enjoy nature, even if it’s in my own backyard, always refreshes the soul! (Unless it’s over 110° like it was for quite a few days recently.) God’s handiwork calm my spirit. 🙂 Thanks for sharing at the #LMMLinkup!
I do enjoy being where I can enjoy what God has made…. and it can be so peaceful. I also find my thoughts turning to songs of praise…. and verses of praise, which certainly helps to restore peace.
I love how God restores our soul when we come to Him.
Isn’t it wonderful how God can speak his peace into our lives through his creation. How he uses what he has created to speak to us his creatures.
Water and God does it for me too. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words with us at Grace & Truth Link-Up. Maree
I just knew when I started reading that you were going to find a peaceful place near some water. Not the beach or the lake but water all the same. So precious how the Lord does meet us right where we are and minister to our heart, mind and soul such awesome refreshing. Have you ever felt the mighty rushing wind of the Spirit. Boy I sure did, one Sunday morning in a small church in Colorado. They did have the window open and it was a cool morning but there was NO earthly reason for the breeze but only a heavenly reason why it happened. We were so blessed and encouraged by that refreshment of the Holy Spirit. Some missionaries were there to share and the whole morning was a work of the Holy Spirit of God. Peace was definitely restored for all of us!!!
I am featuring your post tomorrow on my website for Grace & Truth Link-Up. I loved reading your post for a second time. Prayers and love going your way. Maree